He
grew acquainted with all who had anything uncommon in their fortune
or conduct. He frequented the voluptuous and the frugal, the idle
and the busy, the merchants and the men of learning.
The Prince now being able to converse with fluency, and having
learned the caution necessary to be observed in his intercourse
with strangers, began to accompany Imlac to places of resort, and
to enter into all assemblies, that he might make his CHOICE OF
LIFE.
For some time he thought choice needless, because all appeared to
him really happy. Wherever he went he met gaiety and kindness, and
heard the song of joy or the laugh of carelessness. He began to
believe that the world overflowed with universal plenty, and that
nothing was withheld either from want or merit; that every hand
showered liberality and every heart melted with benevolence: "And
who then," says he, "will be suffered to be wretched?"
Imlac permitted the pleasing delusion, and was unwilling to crush
the hope of inexperience: till one day, having sat awhile silent,
"I know not," said the Prince, "what can be the reason that I am
more unhappy than any of our friends.
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